Chicago White Sox: 4 relievers to trade for before deadline

Ian Kennedy

The Chicago White Sox could turn to a former division rival for help in the bullpen.

The White Sox are very familiar with Ian Kennedy. They faced him in the division for five years when he was a member of the Kansas City Royals.

Kennedy spent the majority of his career as a starter before being converted to a closer by the Royals in 2019. The returns for the Royals were decent. Kenndey converted 30 saves in 34 opportunities and had a respectable 3.41 ERA. This season he has a 2.59 ERA with 15 saves and a 1.09 WHIP in 31 appearances. Because of his affordable $2.15 base salary, the White Sox should be able to pry him away from the rangers for relatively cheap. The Rangers are way out of contention so they will be trying to cash in while Kennedy’s value is high.

Acquiring another closer could benefit the White Sox. When Hendriks has to convert a six-out save as he did on Sunday, then you can have Kennedy available to close out the game the next day if Hendriks needs a rest.

When Hendriks doesn’t need a rest, Kennedy would be able to serve as a solid late innings man without having the pressure of closing games. A one-two punch of him and Liam Hendriks in the eighth and ninth inning would be lethal for the White Sox.